Wondering why you can’t play with fireworks in Montgomery County? Besides the fact they’re illegal, how about the fact fire crews had to respond to more than a dozen incidents, including one that destroyed a Jeep over Fourth of July.

Mayor Gavin Buckley says the city invited journalists from The Capital newspaper to participate in the parade Wednesday evening. He says the city has received confirmation that some will be in the parade.

The United States’ 242nd birthday means fireworks, music, parades — and an even more crowded National Mall than usual. Find out where and when you can get to the National Mall on July 4. Plus, find details on road closures and what you can and cannot bring with you.

PBS’ tradition of broadcasting music and fireworks from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol is facing competition Wednesday from a different live concert in the same city at the same time hosted on the South Lawn of the White House.